One of the best supernatural drama films of all time is coming back to theaters soon – and has a rating of 98% on Rotten Tomatoes
As someone who regularly streams the best horror movies on Netflix, I always end up coming across indie films that take horror to a whole new level, and that includes The Babadook. This disturbing and suspenseful drama, which has an impressive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, is returning to theaters for its 10th anniversary (and I couldn’t be more excited).
For those who haven’t seen it, The Babadook is more than just a simple horror drama film – it’s a detailed exploration of grief, motherhood, and the terrifying power of the unknown. It will always give me goosebumps, no matter how many times I watch it.
Directed by Jennifer Kent, The Babadook tells the story of a widowed mother and her young son struggling with the lingering trauma of losing a loved one. Growing belief in a monster from a mysterious children’s book soon leads to disturbing events that blur the line between reality and supernatural horror.
If you’ve never seen the film, or if you’re like me and would rather relive the scary experience on the big screen than stream it on Netflix, now’s your chance. Trust me, this is a film you definitely don’t want to miss, and here’s why…
What is The Babadook about?
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“The Babadook” is a psychological horror drama about widowed mother Amelia (Essie Davis) and her young son Samuel (Noah Wiseman) as they struggle with grief over the loss of Amelia’s husband in a car accident. Samuel begins to exhibit disturbing behavior and becomes convinced that a monster from a mysterious children’s book, “Mister Babadook,” is real and haunts their house.
As Amelia tries to cope with Samuel’s increasingly erratic behavior, she begins to experience strange and frightening things of her own. The film has been praised for its ability to explore grief, motherhood, and mental illness, as the eerie presence of the Babadook gradually affects their sanity and their relationship.
“The Babadook” is full of genuine emotions
When I saw The Babadook, it wasn’t just the fear the film inspired that struck me the most, but also the raw emotion that was felt in every scene. The film does a great job of diving into the complexities of grief and loss, capturing the overwhelming sadness and isolation that can accompany the death of a loved one. You can really feel Amelia’s pain on a visceral level – her exhaustion, her struggle to maintain her strength, and the way she was drowning in her own unresolved grief (it has strong Midsommar vibes).
What struck me most while watching The Babadook was not only the fear the film inspired, but also the pure emotion that was palpable in every scene.
The film shows how grief can manifest itself in terrifying and heartbreaking ways. Amelia’s relationship with Samuel is fraught with tension, and as the story progresses, it becomes clear that the Babadook is not just a monster from a storybook, but a symbol of all the pain and trauma she was unable to face. The emotional weight of her struggle is palpable, making the horror elements even more intense because they are rooted in something so real and human.
Most horror films today use cheap thrills and simple, formulaic storytelling to “scare” the audience. Sometimes this works, but it can make these films feel samey and they are usually forgettable. One reason I like “The Babadook,” however, is because it really stands out from the crowd when it comes to telling a story in such a unique and powerful way.
I’m just touched by how honestly The Babadook tackles darker themes. The film also doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of grief and motherhood – the moments when Amelia feels trapped, upset, and scared, not just because of the Babadook, but because of her own feelings. This raw, unfiltered emotion is what makes the film so powerful. I can promise you that when you watch it, you’ll feel like you’re witnessing something deeply real, even amidst the supernatural horror.
When can you see “The Babadook” in cinemas?
IFC Films and Iconic Events Releasing are teaming up to bring The Babadook back to U.S. theaters beginning October 1, 2018. 19 Septemberto celebrate the film’s 10th anniversary. This special re-release also includes an exclusive Q&A with writer and director Jennifer Kent.
This film is definitely worth seeing on the big screen if you love good horror, and others think so too. The Babadook earned an incredible 98% score on Rotten Tomatoes upon its release in 2014, with a high audience rating of 72%.
Kristy Puchko of CinemaBlend said, “The Babadook is easily the best horror film of 2014. But thanks to its dazzling performances and a stunning narrative that is beautifully shot and colored, The Babadook is so much more. It is one of the best films of the year.” Meanwhile, Wesley Morris of Grantland had some powerful words: “Sometimes you go into a film and know from the first frame that the producer knows what she’s doing. You don’t need convincing. You’re in it with her. Jennifer Kent’s The Babadook is like that.”
If you really want to see this movie but prefer to stay home, “The Babadook” is available on NetflixHowever, to experience this powerful film in all its glory, I would highly recommend going to the cinema.
Ticket sales begin on August 14th before the film returns to theaters on September 19th.
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